Dental Did You Know

Famous Dentists

While you may not be able to think of any famous dentists off the top of your head, there are several famous people who started out in dentistry.  Some of the recognizable names in the list below might surprise you since they are better known for activities such as acting, writing novels, or gun fights but they all had their background in dentistry.

John Henry "Doc" Holliday: Doc Holliday is best known for befriending Wyatt Earp and beginning the famous gun fight at the O.K. Corral.  Before he moved out west (due to contracting tuberculosis), he had a successful dental practice in Atlanta.

Zane Grey: Zane Grey, the famous Western novel author, began his working life as a dentist.  As soon as he published his first novel, he left the dental world and eventually published over 80 books,

Thomas Welch: It may seem ironic that the founder of the sugar-laden fruit juice company started out as a dentist but that is how Thomas Welch began Welch's juices.  It was not until the end of his dental career but Welch gained fame for developing a pasteurized grape fruit juice that he actually intended to replace wine in church services.

Edgar Buchanan: Before moving to Hollywood in 1939, this popular character actor was actually a dentist.  He left his successful practice to play roles in the sitcoms "Petticoat Junction", "Green Acres", and "The Beverly Hillbillies".  His wife took over his successful practice after he retired.

Mark Spitz: Known for his Olympic swimming career, Mark Spitz was actually accepted to dental school before deciding to pursue swimming.

Paul Revere: Aside from his efforts for the Revolutionary War, Paul Revere was a talented silversmith and marketed his dental skills.  He even made false teeth for his patients.

Miles Henry Davis: The father of Miles Davis, the famous musician, was a dentist.  It is unclear as to whether or not Miles Davis Jr. attempted to follow in his footsteps but Miles Davis Sr. bought Jr. his first trumpet at a young age.


Source: http://www.dentalbuzz.com/2013/01/08/famous-people-you-didnt-know-were-dentists/


R. Eric Emery, DDS
Morgan A. Emery, DDS
Smile Station Dental
2901 Dougherty Ferry Rd, Suite 400
St. Louis, MO 63122
(314)821-7100
smilestationdental.com
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