Dr. David A. Ferguson of Richmond, Virginia organized an organization of African American dentist. A meeting was held on May 1, 1901 in Washington, D.C. at the Dental College of Howard University. The National Association of Colored Dentist was formed. The new national organization met annually until 1905. There was little interest in continuing with the next year’s meeting, thus the 1906 meeting was cancelled.
In January, 1913, Dr. Ferguson sent a letter to all African American dentists in Maryland, Virginia, and the District of Columbia inviting them to meet in Buckroe Beach, Virginia. The purpose of this meeting was to form a regional organization to address dental issues of mutual concern.
Dr. David A. Ferguson
Old Dominion Dental Society
Dr. Norman Lassiter
In February, 1913, African American dentist from around Virginia met at the We-Us Hotel, Newport News, Virginia to establish the Old Dominion Dental Society (ODDS). The officers elected were affectionately known as “Definite 7”. They consisted of President, Dr. Norman Lassiter of Newport News, Vice President, Dr. J. M. G. Ramsey of Richmond, Virginia, Corresponding Secretary, Dr. Hamilton Rance of Suffolk, Virginia, Recording Secretary, Dr. John T. Lattimore of Hampton, Virginia, Treasurer, Dr. G. C. Strong of Norfolk, Virginia, Historian, Dr. R. C. Brown of Richmond, Virginia and Librarian, Dr. C. A. Tomlinson of Norfolk, Virginia.
Dr. J.M.G. Ramsey
On July 19, 1913, 30 dentists or more met at the Bay Shore Hotel at Buckroe Beach, Virginia.
The new organization was named Tri-State Dental Association. The meetings were held in the summer at the Bay Shore Hotel until 1930. With the addition of more states, the organization changed its name to the Interstate Dental Association. In 1932, the name was changed to the National Dental Association.
In the early years, the ODDS meeting were the largest social event of the year for the African American dentist in Virginia. The ODDS routinely had 100% attendance at the meeting. The meeting was held at the local African American high schools and often talented students from the local schools would come to the business sessions to demonstrate their skills in music, poetry, or oratory. Sometimes the community would organize parades with marching bands and fraternal organizations in stepping through the heart of the African American business district. The traditional Saturday evening dance given by the ODDS often drew crowns of 500 or more. Entertainment was often provided by bands such as Cab Calloway or Count Basie especially when the meetings were held in larger cities.
Dr. Clarrisa Wimbush
College of Dentistry 1946
ODDS 1951 Members
Old Dominion Dental SocietyIt was not until 1966, the ODDS was relegated to segregated hotels. Many cities did not have the capacity to house a large number of out of town guest. Consequently, many members stayed at private homes of local members, fellow professionals, or boarding housed. Many strong friendships were established from weekends where members received the hospitality of other members.
The ODDS was established as a source for Continuing Education (C.E.) classes pertinent to the field of dentistry. The meetings are held annually at different locations throughout Virginia. The ODDS became an entity for African American professionals to meet and encourage each other in the profession. Emerging from this organization were community leaders, successful business persons, distinguished military individuals, Board of Dentistry presidents, NAACP leaders and politicians. The ODDS members have much success of its members and have sustained for over 100 years.
African American dentist in Virginia have a strong tradition of education and public service. They are well known in the community, loved by their patients, and are on the cutting edge of progress.
The current ODDS has begun to reinvent itself, searching for the newly graduated African American dentist and bestowing on their membership the remarkable history and tradition of our great organization. The ODDS gave a sense of purpose to its members as well as to the profession of dentistry. This purpose was redefined throughout the years conveying to the public at large the personification of excellence and perseverance of this great organization and its members.
Dr. Lori Wilson