Baylor College of Dentistry
Dallas, Dallas County, Texas
Marker Inscription
Two St. Louis dentists, Dr. David E. Morrow and Dr. Thomas G. Bradford, began seeking a site in Texas for a dental college in the early 1900s. Although most Dallas dentists opposed a local dental school, others viewed the growing commercial center as an ideal location for what was called State Dental College, chartered in February 1905. Classes began on October 3 of that year. In its first years, the school faced many challenges, including a national economic downturn in 1907. In 1915, however, members of the Dallas County Dental Society became involved with the college, agreeing to serve on an advisory board that oversaw operations and instruction. The school affiliated with Baylor University in 1918. Renamed Baylor University College of Dentistry, it shared resources with Baylor University College of Medicine, also located in Dallas. With a strengthened basic sciences program, the school gained national recognition and "Class A" accreditation. In the 1940s, the college accelerated its program to graduate more dentists to aid U.S. troops in World War II. In 1943, the medical school relocated to Houston, taking with it many faculty members. The dental college chose to remain but struggled to maintain its academic footing. It eventually expanded its clinical services and established a school of dental hygiene and specialized graduate-level curricula. The college separated from Baylor University in 1971 and became Baylor College of Dentistry. In the 1990s, it joined the Texas A&M University System as a charter member of its Health Science Center. Today, it is nationally recognized for oral health education, research, specialized patient care and continuing education. (2005)
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
Two St. Louis dentists chartered State Dental College in Dallas in 1905, betting that the fast-growing commercial city needed a dental school despite local skepticism. After the Dallas County Dental Society joined its oversight, the school affiliated with Baylor University in 1918, earning national 'Class A' accreditation and accelerating its program during World War II to supply dentists for U.S. troops. Independent again in 1971, it later joined the Texas A&M University System and remains a nationally recognized center for oral-health education and research.
Why it matters
The college traces the professionalization of American dentistry and the rise of Dallas as a major center of medical and dental education.
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Related people
- · Dr. David E. Morrow
- · Dr. Thomas G. Bradford
Related events
- · World War II
Themes & tags
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