Dr. Esther M. Wilkins was born on December 9, 1916, in Chelmsford, Massachusetts and died on December 12, 2016.
She was an American dental hygienist, dentist, and author of the first comprehensive book on dental hygiene, Clinical Practice of the Dental Hygienist.
She was known as the Wilkins/Tufts Explorer was named after her.
Wilkins grew up in the nearby town of Tyngsborough.
Wilkins attended Lowell High School.
During 1938, Esther graduated from Simmons College in Boston.
Wilkins first enrolled in the nursing program, but then switched to a general science major.
Wilkins’ interest in dental hygiene began her senior year when one of her professors lectured on public health careers.
After been inspired, she walked over to the children’s dental clinic at the Forsyth School and soon decided to become a hygienist.
Wilkins earned a certificate from Forsyth School of Dental Hygiene in 1939.
Following a 12 years career at the University of Washington, Wilkins returned to the Tufts University School of Dental Medicine to earn an Advanced Periodontal Certification in 1966.
Esther worked as a clinical professor at the university’s School of Dentistry from 1966 to 2016.
Esther Wilkins passed away at 100 years old.