ADA Library & Archives exhibit honors military dentists
Special section highlights ways to give back to veterans
Featuring images of dental care on the front lines and inspiring stories of heroism and dedication, a new exhibit from the ADA Library & Archives highlights how the American Dental Association and its members have made a lasting impact on the lives of veterans and active-duty service members.
“The ADA Library & Archives is so pleased to offer this exploration of the history of dentistry and the military,” said Alisun DeKock, ADA Library & Archives digital archivist and publishing librarian. “We were eager to shine a light on the expanding importance dentistry has played in the lives of active duty service members from the Civil War to the present, as well as help shine a light on how much need still exists for our veterans. One of my favorite sections, ‘Get Inspired, Get Involved!,’ highlights the various programs that anyone can get involved with, whether one is in the dental field or not.”
Launched ahead of Veterans Day, “Serving Those Who Serve: Military Dentistry & the American Dental Association” is the third digital exhibit from the ADA Commons following exhibits on aspirin and sports that published this summer.
The ADA Library & Archives provides ADA members with access to dental and oral health resources and research, as well as records and publications from the ADA’s archives. Part of that research is available through the ADA Commons, an open digital repository that collects, preserves and disseminates state and local dental association publications and research.
The new exhibit features four collections:
• “Dentistry at the Front Line”: This collection highlights the evolution of military dentistry, showcasing the work of dentists in wartime and the pivotal efforts that transformed dental care for service members and shaped the role of dentistry in the modern armed forces.
• “Advancing Care on the Home Front”: This collection provides examples of scientific progress and legislative changes made on behalf of or by military members and veterans. It also includes a special section devoted to a 1946 issue of The Journal of the American Dental Association that focuses on problems faced by dental officers returning home from World War II.
• “Honoring the History Makers”: This collection is presented in a timeline format highlighting the people, places and events that represent major turning points and accomplishments in the history of military dentistry. It features stories of military dentists who were decorated or recognized for their service to dentistry and the U.S. military or who have left their mark as the first person to reach a particular achievement or position in their field.
• “Serving Those Who Served”: This collection features stories of veterans' experiences navigating dental care through items from the ADA’s archives and other dental organizations that showcase how dentists have provided care to veterans. A special section, “Get Inspired, Get Involved!,” provides examples of people and programs working to improve the lives of veterans.
