Esther Mae Wilkins was an American dental hygienist, dentist and author of the first comprehensive book on dental hygiene, Clinical Practice of the Dental Hygienist.
14 Facts About Esther Wilkins
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Esther Wilkins's father was a handyman, and her mother was a secretary.
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Esther Wilkins first enrolled in the nursing program, but then switched to a general science major.
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Inspired, Esther Wilkins walked over to the children's dental clinic at the Forsyth School and soon decided to become a hygienist.
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Esther Wilkins earned a certificate from the Forsyth School of Dental Hygiene in 1939.
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Esther Wilkins developed the curriculum and taught most of the courses offered.
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Esther Wilkins released updated editions of the textbook through its 12th edition in 2016.
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Esther Wilkins became a clinical professor at the university's School of Dentistry in 1966 and taught there for 45 years.
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Esther Wilkins launched the Esther Wilkins Education Program to provide dental hygiene professionals with tools and lessons to educate children about oral health.
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In 2004, Esther Wilkins received an honorary degree from the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences for her achievements in the practice and advancement of dental hygiene.
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Esther Wilkins established the Esther M Wilkins Endowed Scholarship in 2011.
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In 1966, Wilkins married a former dentistry classmate, James B Gallagher.
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Esther Wilkins died of a stroke on December 12,2016, at a nursing home in Hudson, New Hampshire.
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Esther Wilkins's death came three days after her 100th birthday.