In 1890 Ida Gray Nelson Rollins (1867-1953) became the first black woman to earn a doctor of dental surgery degree in the United States. She graduated from the University of Michigan in June. Nelson Rollins was born in Clarksville, Tennessee. Her family arranged for her to live in Cincinnati with a relative, Caroline Gray. Around 1860 she worked in the office of Jonathan Taft, a local dentist of prominence. He had supported women in the dental profession. When he became dean of the Dental Department at the University of Michigan, he maintained his office in Cincinnati and thus kept in touch with Nelson Rollins.
Jonathan Taft encouraged her to apply to the dental school, knowing that her experience in his office would help her to pass the entrance examination. She enrolled in October 1887 and graduated in June 1890, then returned to Cincinnati where she established a dental practice. There she served all races and ages and women and men. After she married in 1895, she moved to Chicago and opened an office there. Although sources give conflicting information, she appears to be the first black woman to establish a dental practice in Chicago.
To learn more go to:
http://www.blackscholarsindex.com/2010/03/...
Posted By: Stacie Coulter
Monday, August 22nd 2011 at 2:47PM
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