History of Dentistry in the Pikes Peak Region

Long before the turn of the century, it was evident that Colorado Springs was to be one of the largest cities in the state. After the state’s outstanding health and recreation center was published nationally, the city quickly established an international reputation which added luster to its rapidly developing cosmopolitan nature. A large number of dentists and physicians migrated to this health center.

Organized Dentistry

May 29, 1902 - the first regular meeting

Speaker:  Dr. Frederick S. McKay

Topic:  “A Plea for the Less Frequent Use of Arsenic for Devitalization of the Dental Pulp”

October 14, 1904 - the first annual meeting

After that, the dentists met at 3 p.m. on Saturday afternoons in a dentist’s office.

Beginning in 1904, the monthly meetings were held at various hotels in the city.

October 13, 1905 - the second annual meeting at the Alamo Hotel

Topics and presenters:  “Indians” by Dr. Edgar W. Thompson

 “Dental Recreations” by Dr. W. K. Sinton

The Discovery of Fluoride

There were many theories for the cause of the stain affliction:

• poor nutrition
• eating too much pork
• drinking milk from local cows
• radium exposure
• calcium deficiency in the drinking water
• childhood diseases

in 1908 Dr. McKay corresponded with Dr. G.V. Black, the dean of the Northwestern University Dental School in Chicago, about the unique Colorado Brown Stain. Dr. Black became interested and began histological investigations into the problem.

In 1909 Dr. Black traveled to Colorado Springs to see the stained enamel firsthand. Dr. Black’s interest in the phenomena raised the problem to a level of scientific importance which created an increasing interest in the dental profession.

From this time on, Dr. McKay traveled the United States, performing examinations and charting conditions in ten states and made personal examination in two European countries. He prepared more than 40 papers on the subject for publication and presentation to scientific organizations. Dr. McKay used mostly his own funds for his research. The only financial support he received was $125 from the city of Colorado Springs (both the city and the county pledged $500, but neither made the full funds available); $150 from the Colorado State Dental Association while Dr. McKay was CSDA president; and the largest sum was $800 from the American Dental Association in 1912.

In 1917 Dr. McKay moved to New York City, where he specialized in periodontics until 1940.

He relocated to Colorado Springs in 1940 and continued his practice in periodontics. He died in Colorado Springs on August 22, 1959.

Summary

Although Dr. McKay was initially attracted by the cosmetic discoloration and pitting of the tooth enamel of some Colorado Springs natives, his investigations further discovered that people with stained teeth also had fewer cavities. It was not until 1931 that it was finally determined that the cause of the brown stain was from the high concentration of the fluoride ion in the Colorado Springs public drinking water. Colorado Springs fluoride was naturally derived from Pikes Peak’s rock formations. The community water shed contained deposits of cryolite, a mineral containing fluorine. As the water from rain or snow trickled down the fluoride-containing rock formations, the water picked up the fluoride ion.

Population studies later confirmed the benefits of fluoride. One study compared Colorado Springs youngsters to a matched group of children living in Boulder, Colorado, where there was considerably less fluoride in the drinking water. The study showed a significant reduction in cavities in the local children’s teeth.

Thanks to Dr. McKay and the pioneering dentists of Colorado Springs, public water fluoridation is considered the most efficient and cost-effective dental caries prevention measure available. In 1962, the American Dental Association stated, “The fluoridation of public water supplies is a safe, economical, and effective measure to prevent dental caries. It has received the unqualified approval of every major health organization in the United States and of many other countries.” Besides the ADA, the American Medical Association, the Academy of Pediatrics, and the World Health Organization have supported community water fluoridation. In 1999, The Centers for Disease Control listed fluoridation of drinking water as one of the ten great public health achievements. Water fluoridation of community water supplies is the single most effective public health measure to prevent tooth decay and to improve oral health for a lifetime.

In 1909, three community-health programs were placed in operation:

• The local dentist would provide free examinations and reports on all public-school children’s mouth and teeth.
• The dentists would cooperate in the establishment of a dental clinic for the indigent population.
• They would conduct dental hygiene classes for parents, teachers, and children. The most immediately productive effort was the clinic for indigent students at the high school.

Originally, the clinic was staffed by volunteer local dentists.

In 1914, however, Dr. A.C. Dreihaus was appointed as full-time resident dentist, with the society compensating him for his services.

In 1915 the Colorado Springs Health Department assumed financial responsibility for the clinic.

Today, society members are still involved in the health of the city’s residents and provide low- or no-cost dental care through partnerships and events such as Colorado Mission of Mercy (COMOM), Give Kids a Smile (GKAS) and care days.