07/28/2026
First Known Dentist in North America
The first dentist to practice in North America was JOHN BAKER, an Englishman who emigrated to the American colonies in 1760. He established a dental practice in Boston, where he provided care such as cleaning teeth and replacing missing teeth with wired metal or animal bone prostheseS.
Baker’s arrival marked the beginning of organized dentistry in the United States. His training and techniques were later passed on to notable figures, most famously PAUL REVERE, a Boston goldsmith and silversmith who trained under Baker. Revere became known not only for his role in the American Revolution but also for his dental work, including crafting dentures for prominent colonists.
