Lucy Hobbs Taylor, the first female dentist in the U.S. (and probably the world) is the focus of today's daily Profile America feature issued by the U.S. Census Bureau (a daily press release aimed at raising awareness about responding to the census, which by the way I sadly filled out in 4 minutes....check a few boxes and that's it....really wanted someone to come to my door with a clipboard so I could relate my life story, but....). Back to Lucy. Here a few fun facts to impress your friends with:
- Lucy originally applied for admission to the ineptly named Eclectic College of Medicine in Cincinnati. She was rejected because of her gender. They suggested she try dentistry.
- Lucy became a private pupil and pursued dentistry under the guidance of the dean of the Ohio College of Dental Surgery, later apprenticeing herself to a graduate of the school. After being refused admission to the dental college -- again because of her gender -- she opened her own practice at the age of 28.
- Receiving credit for her years of professional practice from a small but devoted group of admirers, she earned her degree in February 1866, at the age of 33.
- While practicing in Chicago, she met and married Civil War veteran and railway maintenance worker James M. Taylor in April 1867. HERE'S MY FAVORITE PART: Under Lucy's guidance, James too became a dentist. They moved to Lawrence, Kansas, and practiced together for 40 years.
Just an inspiring story for a Thursday. And incidentally, since 1983, the American Association of Women Dentists has recognized outstanding females in the profession by annually bestowing the Lucy Hobbs Taylor Award. The AAWD describes this honor as "the highest and most prestigious award that the AAWD presents to one of its professional members. This award recognizes a woman dentist who has contributed to the advancement, enrichment, and betterment of the role of women in the field of dentistry through her achievements in civic, cultural, humanitarian and academic areas."