Dr. Alfred Fones is considered the "Father of Dental Hygiene."
While dental care practices have existed for centuries, Dr. Alfred Fones is credited with establishing dental hygiene as a formal profession in the early 20th century. He recognized the need for preventative dental care and understood that dentists alone couldn't meet the growing demand.
Here's why Dr. Fones is so important to the field of dental hygiene:
- Formalized Training: He developed and implemented the first dental hygiene education program.
- Trained the First Dental Hygienist: His assistant, Irene Newman, was the first person to be formally trained as a dental hygienist. He trained her in his office for a year.
- Prevention Focus: Fones emphasized the importance of preventing dental disease through education and proper oral hygiene practices.
- Community Outreach: He envisioned dental hygienists working in schools and communities to promote oral health, especially among children.
Therefore, while others before him might have advocated for oral cleanliness, Dr. Alfred Fones revolutionized dental care by creating the profession of dental hygiene and emphasizing preventive care, earning him the title "Father of Dental Hygiene."
