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Medical
Dentistry ➔ Burner
Identifier:
121102Date:
November 2 1893Current Location Status:
In StorageCollection Tier:
Tier 2Source:
Gift Of Braendle, Mrs. S. E.Exhibit/Program:
Streets of Old Grand Rapids: Dentist Office (2024)Dentistry developed more slowly than medicine and enjoyed little professional status until late in the 19th century. Early dentists competed with physicians, barbers, druggists, and even blacksmiths. Usually the practice involved extracting decayed teeth rather than making any attempt to fill the cavity. Ignorance of dental hygiene and a relatively low standard of living resulted in many individuals losing all of their teeth by middle age.
This dentist office belongs to Dr. Ezra S. Holmes of Grand Rapids who was a long-time dentist and was involved in the professionalization of the field in Michigan. He was a civic leader in Grand Rapids whose involvement with the early development of the museum also makes him a notable historical figure. He served as the President of the Kent Scientific Institute (KSI), was a charter member of KSI and later employed as the assistant to the KSI director from 1903 until his death in 1914.