Collection: MUSC College of Dental Medicine Oral History Project, 2011

Link in MEDICA: http://digital.library.musc.edu/cdm/landingpage/collection/oh005

Description:

In 1952, the South Carolina Dental Association sponsored a study of South Carolina's needs in dental education. The results indicated a growing need for a school of dentistry within the state and it was recommended that one be established as an integral unit of the Medical College of South Carolina. In 1953, the General Assembly of South Carolina passed an act authorizing the development of a school of dentistry as part of the Medical College of South Carolina, however it was not until the 1964 session that the legislature funded that 1953 authorization.

In May 1964, by action of the Board of Trustees of the Medical College, a dean was appointed for the school of dentistry. Within a short time, planning went forward on the new seven-story Basic Sciences/College of Dental Medicine Building. By using existing basic science facilities and temporary dental clinic facilities, it was possible to admit the first class of dental students on September 5, 1967. The new building was ready for occupancy in December 1970, and the first class of students graduated and received their D.M.D. degrees in June 1971.

This series of interviews were conducted by Brooke Fox, MUSC University Archivist, and Susan Hoffius, Curator, Waring Historical Library, in preparation for the 50th anniversary of the college. The collection consists of nine individual interviews recorded on a digital audio recorder between September 2011 and March 2012. Topics include the establishment of the College of Dental Medicine, the first dean Dr. John Buhler, early faculty and staff, the college’s relationship with the South Carolina Dental Association, classroom and clinical experiences, and dental education.

Collection: South Carolina Dental Association Records

Link in MEDICA: http://digital.library.musc.edu/cdm/landingpage/collection/scda

Description:

The South Carolina Dental Association was established in 1869. Among its early purposes was to advocate against quack dental practitioners who lured clients with deceptive advertising. In 1875, the SCDA achieved passage in the SC General Assembly of the state’s first dental practice act which called for the election of a board of examiners authorized to issue licenses to graduates of accredited dental colleges without examination and to all other applicants upon examination. The SCDA held statewide meetings for its members, and in 1928 organized regional districts within South Carolina for the more manageable administration of the association. In 1959, the SCDA opened an office in Columbia from which the association was administered. The SCDA continues to provide professional support and leadership to members of the dental community in South Carolina.

The South Carolina Dental Association Records, 1870-1905, 1961 (with gaps), consist of one volume of recorded minutes, treasurer’s reports, and membership records which document the society’s activities; one folder of loose papers and newspaper clippings; and one folder of programs from annual meetings from 1925 to 1961 (with gaps). Included in the volume of minutes are summaries of papers and discussions presented to the association at its regular meetings, membership lists, and financial records.

Collection: Pee Dee District Dental Society Records

Link in MEDICA: http://digital.library.musc.edu/cdm/landingpage/collection/pddental

Description: Pee Dee District Dental Society Records

The Pee Dee District Dental Society Records, 1933-1988, consist of one volume of recorded minutes, treasurer’s reports, membership records, and added correspondence and newspaper clippings which document the society’s activities. Included are summaries of papers and discussions presented to the society at its regular meetings. Membership lists and financial documentation are recorded. Actions taken by the members regarding state and regional dental activities are also recorded, including reaction to and interest in the creation of the MUSC School of Dental Medicine in the late 1950s. A note on the flyleaf of the ledger book indicates that any records of the Society before 1933 were lost.

The Pee Dee District Dental Society was established in 1928 and continues to exist as a district society of the South Carolina Dental Association. The Society’s members are drawn from the counties of Chesterfield, Clarendon, Darlington, Dillon, Florence, Georgetown, Horry, Kershaw, Lee, Marion, Marlboro, Sumter, and Williamsburg The Society held meetings twice annually at different locations throughout the Pee Dee area of South Carolina, including Camden, Florence, Myrtle Beach, Manning, Cheraw and others. Meetings consisted of paper presentations, a meal, and discussion of current dental practices, techniques, professional news, and fellowship.

Collection: Charleston Dental Association Records

Link in MEDICA: http://digital.library.musc.edu/cdm/landingpage/collection/chasdental

Description:

The Charleston Dental Association was first organized in December 1867 at the office of Dr. J. B. Patrick, Sr. on Society Street in Charleston “for the advancement of our Profession and to engender ...good fellowship.” The first dental association in the state, the group met monthly to demonstrate new techniques, discuss current practices and socialize. Between 1874 and 1881, the society languished for lack of interest until some of the original members decided to revive the association. The reorganized Association continued to function until 1901, when it again went on hiatus.

In 1907, several of the members of the previous Charleston Dental Association chose to organize under a new name with a new purpose. The Dental Protective Association of Charleston maintained a "black list" of people who refused to pay for services rendered. Dentists were supposed to submit names for the most egregious offenders, to help other dentists to avoid those bad risks. While the "black list" concept was short-lived, this group continued to function as the Dental Protective Association for several years, reverting back to their original name about 1912.

Although many men were members and officers of both the Charleston Dental Association and the South Carolina Dental Association, the Charleston Dental Association operated independently until the SCDA reorganized in 1928 into four component district societies. The Charleston Dental Association merged with the Coastal District Society of the SCDA.

The collection contains one folder of correspondence, one folder with multiple installments of the history of the association as written by Dr. Robert Atmar Smith, one folder of rough minutes and financial reports, and one folder of draft resolutions. The collection also includes five volumes of bound minutes, covering 1867 to 1924 (with gaps).