History
Sidebar
The University of Louisville School of Dentistry's origin can be traced to 1887. A Department of Dentistry was created by Central University which is now known as Eastern Kentucky University in Richmond, KY. Dental schools were lucrative businesses and for that reason among others would have been an attractive addition to a University's operation.
Because Central University needed capital, it sold its "franchise" to a group of medical and dental educators. We can thank Steve and Ford Grant's ancestors for that move. They reorganized the institution under the name of Louisville College of Dentistry and became associated with Centre College in Danville, KY. In 1918, the college became affiliated with the University of Louisville, the oldest municipal institution west of the Alleghenies. Renaming the institution the University of Louisville College of Dentistry, the institution moved into "modern" facilities which had been built at 129 East Broadway. That building at Brook and Broadway still stands and lives in the memories of the thousands of dentists who participated in the rigorous educational experiences offered there.
In 1887, the total dental curriculum consisted of two terms, each one lasting five months. Eighteen students began their quest for the Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree in January of that year and they were eagerly greeted by the department's two faculty members.
Interestingly, ten additional men, who had completed their first term at other colleges, finished their second term in Louisville to become the institution's first graduates in June of 1887. Since that time, they have been joined by the approximately 8,000 additional men and women educated at the School of Dentistry.
The DDS degree was conferred by the University until 1939. Before the next graduation date, the faculty changed the degree to DMD, the first letters of the Latin words, which translate, "Doctor of Dental Medicine." They believed that this designation more accurately and appropriately described the modern concepts required in the practice of dentistry.
In 1952, the School of Dentistry began its Dental Hygiene Program with a Certificate in Dental Hygiene. Many of those graduates went on to earn a Bachelor of Science Degree in Dental Hygiene through the University's College of Arts and Sciences. In 2007, the University ended the Certificate program and began awarding the Bachelor of Science Degree through the School of Dentistry. Of all the dental hygiene programs in the United States, only a few grant the baccalaureate degree. The University of Louisville School of Dentistry is proud to be in that number.
In 1970, the School of Dentistry expanded into its present facility and became an integral component of the University's Health Sciences Center. Over the years the School has benefited from a rich heritage in dental education. It boasts an illustrious roster of living alumni, practicing in every state and several foreign countries. Its reputation for clinical excellence and its history of graduates' contributions to the profession and the public have been continuous since its founding to this day.
Our History in Photos
Established in 1887
Our school’s origin can be traced to 1887, when Richmond-based Central University of Kentucky established a dental department. The dental department was part of Central University’s Hospital College of Medicine in Louisville, which was located across from Louisville’s City Hospital (part of which remains as the Abell Administration Building).
In January 1887, 18 students started the DDS program. They were joined by 10 students who had completed their first term elsewhere and became the school’s first graduates in June 1887.
First dedicated building established in early 1990s
In 1900, The Louisville College of Dentistry moved to a new building built expressly for dental education at the corner of Brook Street and Broadway. It was considered one of the most modern and well-equipped dental colleges in the country, boasting of “handsomely furnished” waiting room and well-lighted classrooms. In 1901, Central University merged with Centre College.
Affiliation with University of Louisville
In 1918, the school affiliated with the University of Louisville — the oldest municipal institution west of the Alleghenies. At first the school maintained the name "College of Dentistry." The school’s name was first shown on graduation programs as University of Louisville "School of Dentistry" in 1924.
A period of growth
After affiliation with the University of Louisville, the dental school continued to grow. The DDS degree was conferred until 1939. Before the next graduation date, the faculty changed the degree to DMD.
Supporting the war effort
During World War II, the University of Louisville School of Dentistry became a training site for the U.S. Navy’s V-12 program, which was designed to speed the training of much-needed officers (including dentists) during the war.
A welcome addition
In 1952, the School of Dentistry began its Dental Hygiene Program with a Certificate in Dental Hygiene. The program changed to a bachelor’s degree in 2007.
A new home
By the 1960s, the school desperately needed more space. Officials began planning to construct a modern center that would house all the university’s health-related programs. Ground was broken for the current dental school building in 1967. Students, residents, and faculty moved in to the new building in 1970.
A massive turnaround
Originally, patients entered the school from Preston Street. In 2009 the school began a $40 million renovation project that moved the main entrance to the back of the building near Muhammad Ali Boulevard (illustrated in this architectural rendering). This renovation also included adding 20,000 square feet to the building and renovated another 200,000 square feet.
Bigger and brighter
The renovation was completed in fall 2011. It included updates to infrastructure, operatory equipment, technology, and more.
Focused on the future
The School of Dentistry continues to invest in upgrades to technology and facilities. Since 2020, the school has upgraded nearly every classroom to include the latest technology, opened a newly renovated student lounge, upgraded graduate program clinics, and more. We will further expand our learning spaces with the opening of the new HSC building at the corner of Preston and Chestnut.
