# The influence of the University of Pennsylvania on UK dentistry 1880-1922

## TL;DR

This paper explores how the University of Pennsylvania influenced UK dentistry between 1880 and 1922 through the training of British dentists.

## Contribution

It highlights the early and significant role of UPenn in shaping UK dental practices and specialties.

## Key findings

- Over 100 UK dentists obtained DDS degrees from UPenn between 1879 and 1922.
- Many returned to the UK and influenced the development of dental specialties like oral surgery and orthodontics.
- UPenn's dental school played a foundational role in early twentieth-century British dentistry.

## Abstract

British attendance at the two early dental meetings held in Philadelphia in 1926 has recently been reported; however, the influence of the University of Pennsylvania (UPenn) on United Kingdom (UK) dentistry started much earlier. In March 1879, the first Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degrees from UPenn were awarded, and during the next 40 years, well over 100 dentists travelled from the UK to obtain the DDS UPenn. Of these, 90 returned to practise in the UK. This paper considers the influence that these had on UK dentistry.

Describes the origins of the University of Pennsylvania Dental School.Throws light on the influence of the University of Pennsylvania Dental School on British dentistry in the early twentieth century.Identifies some of the origins of the emerging United Kingdom dental specialties of oral surgery and orthodontics.

Describes the origins of the University of Pennsylvania Dental School.

Throws light on the influence of the University of Pennsylvania Dental School on British dentistry in the early twentieth century.

Identifies some of the origins of the emerging United Kingdom dental specialties of oral surgery and orthodontics.