*Answered* Question: Dentist Care at School

10/4/22 submission from Angela Hughes Davidson,

Before I started school in the Fall of 1955, my mother took me to the school to see a dentist. I don't remember his name; I believe he was African-American. He worked from the front of the school near the teacher desk. A curtain was hung so that students could not see him at work. Ms. Frances Edmonds was the teacher. I made several trips to see him. I don't remember seeing a dentist prior to this. Do any former students remember receiving dental care at the Morgantown School? It would be great to know if this was something the School Board supported throughout the County's segregated schools.

Thank you,

Angela Hughes Davidson

Morgantown student, 1955-58.

Answer:

From the 1939, William Garland Coleman Thesis, Negro Education in Fauquier County, Virginia, pp. 129-130.

Five Point Inspection -- All teachers reported annual five-point inspection. That is, teachers checked the vision and hearing of the children for defects, their teeth for cavities, their throats for enlarged tonsils and adenoids, and their weight for malnutrition. All reported use of cards from the office of the Division Superintendent to record the results of these inspections, and that they endeavored to secure corrections where needed. Only twenty schools issued five-point certificates.

Dental Clinic -- A movement which had begun several years before, culminated in securing a dental clinic for Negro schools in 1937-38. This was made possible by funds raised at each school, to which were added liberal contributions by certain philanthropic women and an appropriation by the School board. Though the teachers at two schools reported 100 percent corrections, the clinician made numerous corrections at all schools. The teachers were pleased with the result obtained.