Baylor College of Dentistry Plaque

Established in 1905, the Baylor College of Dentistry Plaque commemorates a rich history of dental education in Dallas. Two St. Louis dentists, Dr. David E. Morrow and Dr. Thomas G. Bradford, founded the State Dental College. Initially located above a downtown grocery store, the college faced early challenges, including a national economic downturn in 1907. Despite these hurdles, the first class graduated in 1906. The Dallas County Dental Society stepped in to help manage the college in 1915. This led to a significant development in 1918: the college affiliated with Baylor University and was renamed Baylor University College of Dentistry. The partnership with Baylor University strengthened the college’s basic sciences program due to shared resources with Baylor University College of Medicine, also in Dallas. This collaboration resulted in national recognition and a “Class A” accreditation. During World War II, the college accelerated its program to train dentists for the war effort. A major shift occurred in 1943 when the medical school moved to Houston. While the dental college stayed in Dallas, it faced challenges rebuilding its faculty. The college persevered, expanding its clinical services and creating a school of dental hygiene along with specialized graduate programs. Another pivotal moment arrived in 1971 when the college separated from Baylor University, becoming Baylor College of Dentistry. This allowed the college to receive state funding. The Baylor College of Dentistry Plaque stands as a testament to this institution’s journey and its contributions to dental education and healthcare. In the 1990s, Baylor College of Dentistry became part of the Texas A&M University System. Today, the Texas A&M University College of Dentistry carries on the legacy, providing dental education and care to the community.