American College of Dentists' Mace and Torch
AMERICAN COLLEGE OF DENTISTS’ MACE AND TORCH ON VIEW AT NATIONAL MUSEUM OF DENTISTRY BALTIMORE, MD—The mace and torch of the American College of Dentists, the oldest national honorary organization for dentists, is now on display at the National
AMERICAN COLLEGE OF DENTISTS’ MACE AND TORCH ON VIEW AT NATIONAL MUSEUM OF DENTISTRY
BALTIMORE, MD—The mace and torch of the American College of Dentists, the oldest national honorary organization for dentists, is now on display at the National Museum of Dentistry on long-term loan. Assembled to preserve the historic symbols of the founding of the College, the exhibit features the gold-plated mace and torch that have been used in membership ceremonies for nearly 70 years, as well as an American College of Dentists’ Fellowship pin, key, and rosette. Also on view is the William J. Gies Award, which recognizes College Fellows who have made outstanding contributions to the advancement of the profession.
“We are honored to have the mace and torch on view at the National Museum of Dentistry,” said American College of Dentists’ Executive Director Dr. Stephen Ralls. “They represent an important historical link to key leaders of dentistry from the early 20th century onward.”
The American College of Dentists is the oldest national honorary organization for dentists. It was founded to elevate the standards of dentistry, encourage graduate study, and grant Fellowship to those who have done meritorious work. Membership in the American College of Dentists is by invitation only. There are more than 7,400 Fellows. Fellows are selected based on their contributions to organized dentistry, oral health care, dental research, dental education, the profession, and society. Long regarded as the “conscience of dentistry,” its mission is to advance excellence, ethics, professionalism, and leadership in dentistry.
“The National Museum of Dentistry preserves and celebrates the history of the dental profession,” said the Museum’s Executive Director Jonathan Landers. “This is the perfect place to showcase these fragile and magnificent historic symbols of such a respected organization in dentistry.”
When the American College of Dentists was founded in 1920, a symbolic light—the torch—was designated to signify the role of the College as a source of enlightenment and guidance. The torch on view at the Museum, made in 1939 by the Gorham Silver Company of Providence, Rhode Island, served as a symbol of office. The fluted staff, more than two feet long, is made of gold plated bronze and decorated with ribbons engraved with the names of the founders of the American College of Dentists.
The large mace on view was also made in 1939 by the Gorham Silver. It is more than two feet long and made of gold plated bronze and silver. The base is adorned with faux amethysts, diamonds and emeralds. Crafted in the form of a caduceus symbolizing the medical professions, it includes the engraved names of 20 of the most eminent contributors to dentistry. The dome, with figures of two Egyptians holding the ends of an open scroll, is supported by depictions of eleven Egyptian scholars and a modern graduate.
NATIONAL MUSEUM OF DENTISTRY
See amazing teeth feats, marvel at George Washington’s choppers, sing along to vintage toothpaste commercials, and discover fascinating hands-on exhibitions about the power of a healthy smile. Enjoy field trips, home school days, special events, and more. An Affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution, this one-of-a-kind museum is located at 31 South Greene Street, a short walk from the Inner Harbor. Admission is $7 for adults, $5 for seniors, and students with ID, $3 for children age 3-19; and free for age 2 & under Open Wednesday–Saturday 10 a.m.–4 p.m. and Sunday 1–4 p.m. Closed Mondays, Tuesdays, and major holidays. Call 410/706-0600 or visit www.smile-experience.org.
