Esther Wilkins, RDH, DMD, a dental hygiene icon who, after she became a dentist, proudly included her RDH credentials in her writings, passed away Monday, December 12, after being treated for a stroke.
She was affectionately known as the “godmother of dental hygiene.” Hygienists from around the world also knew her as the author of Clinical Practice of the Dental Hygienist. The textbook, which was first published in 1959, serves as the foundation of many dental hygiene education programs. For years, when Dr. Wilkins made an appearance at a dental conference, students, hygienists, and even dentists would flock to her, seeking the author’s autograph to be inscribed in their copy of her textbook. The 12th editiion of Clinical Practice of the Dental Hygienist was published in 2016.
Dr. Wilkins celebrated her 100th birthday three days before her death.
In a statement, the American Dental Hygienists' Association said, "We had celebrated her hundredth birthday only three days before. Wilkins dedicated her life to advancing oral health care, and her commitment to dental hygiene will not be forgotten."
The Calif
ornia Dental Hygienists’ Association noted Dr. Wilkins’ passing on Facebook Monday evening by saying, “It is with deep sadness that we inform the dental hygiene community that Dr. Esther Wilkins passed away this evening. We will hold Esther in our hearts forever and thank her for all she meant to our profession and to the countless dental hygienists across the country.”
She became a dental hygienist in 1939, and earned a dental degree from Tufts University’s School of Dental Medicine in 1949. In 1950, she is credited with establishing a dental hygiene program at the University of Washington, serving as the program director for 10 years.
"Esther was known for the 12 editions of her textbook, but also for her wit, humor, and love of dancing and drinking beer!" said Maria Perno Goldie, RDH, a well-known author and former ADHA president. "She is known as the godmother of dental hygiene, and loved to focus on prevention. A role model, mentor, and friend, Dr. Wilkins will be missed by many. RIP Esther, here’s to you and to a life well-lived!"
Jane Weiner, RDH, who received the Dr. Esther M. Wilkins Distinguished Alumni Award in 2003, said, “Dr. Esther Wilkins (Gallagher) has had a profound impact on the dental hygiene profession and on many people as well. Without her guidance, friendship, encouragement, and input, I personally would not be who I am as a dental hygiene professional or educator, and for this I am so grateful. Esther had a profound impact on my life and profession, and it is one that I treasure. She will be missed.”
Jackie Sanders, RDH, the manager of professional relations for Sunstar Americas, said, “Dr. Esther Wilkins was the pillar of our profession. She shared many valuable insights throughout her life, and we were all her students. Therefore, it is now our responsibility to carry her legacy forward. Rest in peace, our dear mentor.”
In recent years, Dr. Wilkins contributed to the National Children’s Oral Health Foundation (NCOHF). The charitable foundation established the Esther Wilkins Legacy League in 2006, which provided resources to dental hygienists participating in outreach activities coordinated by America’s ToothFairy.
Jill Malmgren, NCOHF's executive director said, "We are deeply saddened by the loss of Dr. Esther Wilkins. She was a beloved teacher, mentor, and tireless champion for oral hygiene and children’s health. Her generous support of America’s ToothFairy made it possible for volunteer dental hygienists and dental hygiene students to deliver oral health education and preventive services to thousands of underserved children. While we join many others in mourning the loss of this amazing woman, we proudly celebrate Dr. Wilkins’ remarkable legacy and lifelong commitment to oral health."
Dianne Watterson, RDH, paid tribute to Dr. Wilkins in a December 2009 issue of RDH, writing, “Her textbook (I have the dark blue one) guided me through hygiene school and became my primary roadmap in learning how to become a dental hygienist … I was first personally introduced to Esther many years ago when I spoke for the Massachusetts Dental Hygienists' Association. I was so honored to be seated next to her at dinner. After we were introduced, she told me that she always reads my columns in RDH and that I was doing a great service to dental hygienists by addressing their real-life work issues. I'm sure I blushed! To be complimented by the author of my primary source of education in dental hygiene was the supreme compliment to me!”
Ann-Marie DePalma, RDH, who writes on continuing education trends in dental hygiene, based her first column on Dr. Wilkins. The statistics quoted in the column, published in August 2002, are no longer accurate, but the column offers a glimpse of Dr. Wilkins as a popular continuing education speaker too:
“Esther's first official continuing education course was in May 1967 when she was invited to plan and participate in the New York State Dental Hygienists' Association Annual Meeting. Along with Roxie Stitzer, the director of dental hygiene at Broome Community College in New York, [she] provided hygienists with a program on instrumentation that was a pioneering effort at the time. From there, more invitations followed. Over the years, Esther has presented more than 600 programs ranging from all-day to two-hour programs. With her May 2001 program in Sheridan, Wyo., Esther has presented programs in all 50 states—not to mention programs in Canada, Japan, China, Saudi Arabia, Ireland, Italy, Israel, New Zealand, Australia, and South Africa!”
DePalma also provided details about Dr. Wilkins’ early life that she obtained in an interview. To view the column, click here.
Nancy Burkhart, RDH, who recently wrote a column for RDH about centenarians, said, "I discovered while writing the column that Dr Wilkins was to celebrate her 100th birthday. As I wrote the column, I summarized many of the characteristics that this age group exhibit. Dr. Wilkins certainly exhibited all the positive characteristics that I described—very admirable indeed!! The first time I met her was shortly after the first edition of our pathology textbook had been published. She made several comments about the book and offered some publishing advice, since we have the same publisher. I am sorry that she will not read my current column, and she will certainly be missed. Thank you, Esther."
For the most current dental headlines, click here.
