University of Michigan School of Dentistry Celebrates 150 Years of Innovation and Worldwide Impact

From its start in a small house to its current status as a top research center, the University of Michigan School of Dentistry turns 150 this month. Back in 1875, three teachers taught just 20 students in a professor's home.

"Dr. Taft was an excellent clinician but he was very committed also to education so he wrote a textbook on operative dentistry that really was one of the very first textbooks for dental schools in the United States," said Dean Jacques Nör according to MLive.

It took three tries before success. The Michigan Dental Association pushed for a dental program, and in 1875, the Board of Regents said yes. Jonathan Taft left his post at Ohio College of Dental Surgery to lead the new UM College.

In 1938, a turning point came. The W.K. Kellogg Foundation gave $236,500 for advanced studies. Four years later, as war gripped the nation, they added $113,000 for vital equipment.

War changed everything. World War I cut student numbers in half by 1920. The smallest class ever - just 11 students - graduated in 1947 during World War II's aftermath.

Light shaped early learning. Students worked by sunlight until 1890. Gas lamps came next. When winter days grew short and dark, students spoke up. By 1896, electric lights lit the halls.

Progress kept coming. A dental hygiene program started in 1921. By 1964, students could earn advanced degrees through the Rackham School of Graduate Studies.

That year brought big plans. The board backed a $14.9 million building project - second in size only to the mighty Mackinac Bridge.

Kids got better care when Dr. Kenneth Easlick started a children's program in 1931. He created special courses and joined public health teaching in 1941.

History met dentistry in 1976. While working in Egypt, instructor James Harris found and proved the identity of King Tut's grandmother, Queen Tiye.

Today's school was built between 1969 and 1971. First came the research wing and tower, then two years later, the final pieces fell into place.