College of Dentistry

Tucked away amidst the bustling city of Chicago, the College of Dentistry has witnessed a century of smiles, struggles, and scientific breakthroughs. The College of Dentistry, originally known as Northwestern University Dental School, first opened its doors in 1891. Its initial home was on South State Street in Evanston, before migrating to Chicago, joining the Medical School on Dearborn and 24th Streets. This move marked the beginning of the school’s prominent role in Chicago’s medical landscape. The College of Dentistry wasn’t content to rest on its laurels. In 1895, it merged with the American College of Dental Surgery, solidifying its position as a leading dental institution. Under Dean G.V. Black, the curriculum was revamped, emphasizing the importance of scientific rigor in dental practice. The College of Dentistry found a new home in 1902, at the corner of Lake and Dearborn Streets, a former hotel transformed into a hub of learning. The school continued to flourish, pioneering advancements in dental care. It was the birthplace of the first Post Doctoral Degree in Dentistry in 1922, and in 1935, it established the first Graduate Program in Pediatric Dentistry. The College of Dentistry also played a key role in the development of Gardol, a plaque preventative used in toothpastes and mouthwashes. This innovative spirit extended beyond academics. The school was the founding place of Omicron Kappa Upsilon Dental Honor Society in 1914 and Sigma Pi Alpha Dental Hygiene Honor Society in 1951. Despite its legacy of innovation and achievement, the College of Dentistry, then part of Northwestern University, closed its doors in 2001. Financial pressures and reputational concerns led to the difficult decision. Yet, the contributions of the College of Dentistry to dental science and the countless smiles it helped create continue to resonate. The building may be gone, but its legacy remains etched in the history of dentistry.