Children's Dental Unit. Photograph, circa 1930.

This timeline traces significant events that have occurred in the United States and that have impacted the oral health and, ultimately, the overall health and well-being of children, adolescents, women, and families.

The timeline was developed as a tool for educating students, orienting professionals new to public health or oral health, and reminding professionals working in the field about important events that have shaped history.

Navigating the Timeline

Exploring the timeline is simple! Each page contains a date, a milestone, background information, and information about the milestone’s impact. Each page also includes sources of additional information for those interested in reading more about the event.

Browse events from 1840 to present.

View an index of milestones for all events.

Download a handout of Timeline Highlights.

Related Resources

Leadership and Legacy: Oral Health Milestones in Maternal and Child Health was modeled after MCH Timeline: History, Legacy, and Resources for Education and Practice, which traces the history of maternal and child health in the United States.

Timelines are also available from the American Dental Association and the American Dental Hygienists' Association.