Eastman Dental Hospital - History

History

In 1926, George Eastman donated £200,000 (plus another £100,000 from two other principle benefactors) for the establishment of a specialist dental and oral health clinic for the benefit of poor children of Central London. The Eastman Dental Clinic was constructed between 1928 and 1930 to the design of Sir John Burnet and Partners and was opened in 20 November 1931 by the American Ambassador. Until 1947/48, the clinic was integrated into the Royal Free Hospital. Afterwards, as an independent institution, it was established as the postgraduate dental institute of the Postgraduate Medical Federation.

The Objects of the Institute were stated as follows:

The training of consultants, specialists and teachers, in various branches of dentistry. To provide facilities for and encourage research by members of staff and students. To provide clinical and laboratory facilities and instruction for candidates working for higher degrees or diplomas. To provide short courses for general practitioners, in so far as it is possible to do so without interfering with the main objects as set out above.

The future role of the Institute and Hospital in national and worldwide postgraduate dental education and training was created with the establishment of the Faculty of Dental Surgery, in 1948, at the Royal College of Surgeons by Professor Robert Bradlaw, and the creation of the Dental Fellowship examination.

After the creation of the National Health Service, the need for free primary dental care was met nationally and the Eastman Clinic ended its routine treatment (but retaining a casualty service) and changed its name to the Eastman Dental Hospital.

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