B. T. Whitney. Physician, dentist, inventor, entrepreneur and dedicated figther for dentistry and dental education.
In the mid-1850s, Western New York had become one of the most highly industrialized areas of the nation, largely because it was the terminus of the Erie Canal. Buffalo was among the foremost cities in the country; and its dentists were actively establishing a professional association. What was lacking, however, was a dental school to serve the whole area, including the territory to the west. Four leading men in the profession, who also started one of America's greatest and most innovative dental manufacturing companies, struggled to achieve that goal. Foremost among them was Benajah Ticknor Whitney, a physician, who had received his M.D. at the first medical school west of the Hudson River. But his interest in dentistry developed early in his training, and Dr. Whitney went on to become one of the state's outstanding dental leaders. Sadly, he didn't live to see his dream fulfilled. It would take 20 more years--and a hard fight to overcome opposition within the profession--until a university-affiliated school was established in Buffalo.
Ring
Malvin E
ME
D003762:Dental Instruments / Q000266:history*; D004497:Education, Dental / Q000266:history; D049672:History, 19th Century; D009518:New York; D012953:Societies, Dental / Q000266:history