Frank Abbott (dentist) facts for kids
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Frank Abbott (born September 5, 1836 – died April 20, 1897) was a very important dentist and inventor. He was even the president of big dental groups like the American Dental Association (in 1888) and the National Association of Dental Faculties (in 1895). He wrote many books about dentistry and invented cool dental instruments like chisels and scalers. Some of his inventions are still used by dentists today!
Early Life and War Service
Frank Abbott was born into an English family. He grew up in York County, Maine and worked on a farm in Shapleigh, Maine until he was 16 years old. After that, he started traveling.
In 1855, when he was about 19, he began studying dentistry with a doctor named J.E. Ostrander in Oneida, New York. By the time he was 22, Frank Abbott opened his very own dental office in Johnstown, New York. He married Catherine Ann Cuyler, and they had three children together.
When the American Civil War started, Abbott joined the army as a lieutenant in the 115th New York Volunteer Infantry. He was captured by the enemy at Harper's Ferry, West Virginia. Luckily, he was later set free as part of a prisoner exchange.
A Career in Dentistry
After the Civil War ended, Frank Abbott went back to his dental practice. A year later, he decided to study medicine at the City University of New York. While he was there, he became a clinical lecturer at the New York College of Dentistry in 1866. He quickly moved up, becoming a Professor of Operative Dentistry in 1868 and then the dean of the college in 1869. This means he was in charge of the dental school!
Frank Abbott was also an inventor. He created the first automatic mallet that worked really well. This tool helped dentists do their work more easily. Besides his dental work, he also enjoyed collecting rare old prints about American history.
Frank Abbott was a busy person who helped dentistry grow and improve during his lifetime.
