The ADA celebrates 150 years

It’s a source of education. It’s a source of pride. It’s a celebration of the American Dental Association.

“150 Years of the American Dental Association: A Pictorial History,” is a coffee table-style book that will commemorate the 150th anniversary of the ADA.

Great-West Life is funding the book as an anniversary gift to the ADA on what is also the three-quarter century mark of the ADA and Great-West business relationship. Professionally written and produced, the book will explore the history and legacy of the ADA and the dental profession.

“Great-West couldn’t have presented us with a gift that would be better appreciated,” ADA President John Findley said. “Dentistry has come a long way, thanks to the efforts of the countless men and women who have contributed to our profession and the nation’s oral health throughout the years. This book gives us the opportunity to tell that story.”

“It’s a book dentists will be proud to keep in their waiting rooms,” said Dr. Walter F. Lamacki. The past ADA trustee from Illinois and chair of the sesquicentennial planning committee says the target audience is both professional and public. “It will offer something of interest to everyone.”

From facts and history to stories and photographs to Dr. Lamacki’s favorite chapter鈥攄ental leaders project where the profession will be in 50 years鈥擠r. Lamacki says the book will help preserve the history and legacy of the profession, and may even pique young patients’ interest in the dental profession.

“Everybody was tickled pink by the Great-West sponsorship because it allowed us to expand the scope and breadth of the book,” said Dr. Lamacki, who is also editor of the Chicago Dental Society’s journal “Review.”

Jim Biesterfelt, vice president of group special accounts for Great-West, calls the sponsorship an honor.

“We wanted to celebrate our relationship through the eyes of the Association,” says Mr. Biesterfelt. “We feel honored to have had the opportunity to provide insurance to so many dentists, family members and students over the course of this long-standing relationship.”

In 10 chapters, the book will cover 150 years of Association history. Points of interest and a timeline are included in nine chapters. The tenth is devoted to a look into the future of the dental profession from a cross section of dental leaders, students and scientists.

Events spotlighted include a notorious murder revolving around denture patent rights, cold war sentiments that drew national attention to the ADA’s 100th anniversary celebration and a ground-breaking dental exchange program between ADA and dental representatives from the former Soviet Union.

Notable personalities will include Dr. Harold Hillenbrand, other former executive directors and dentist World War II Medal of Honor recipients. Other topics include the establishment of standard precautions relating to infection control in the dental office, development of the ADA Foundation and The Journal of the American Dental Association.

ADA Library staff is combing the archives in collaboration with the ADA sesquicentennial book planning committee to compile facts, photos and stories.

“150 Years of the American Dental Association: A Pictorial History,” will be available at the 150th Annual Session of the American Dental Association in Hawaii. ADA News will announce when the book will be available from the ADA catalog at www.adacatalog.org.聽

Proceeds from the book will benefit the ADA Foundation.